Archive for the ‘Online Program Updates’ Category

The explanation process is explained very clearly on the seminary web page. There is no application fee, and all the materials except for the reference forms may be submitted electronically.

Locate the reference forms available on the seminary application page, and mail each of these three references forms included a self-addressed, stamped envelope address to Grace Theological Seminary Admissions, 200 Seminary Drive, Winona Lake, IN 46590. These include:

A personal reference from someone knows you well. and other than a relative.

A reference from your pastor.

A reference from an official at your church, other than the pastor which submits your pastoral reference.

What if I only want to take one or two seminary classes without going through the whole application process? Can I do this as a visiting online student, or begin taking one or two classes while I make my application?

Students that only desire to begin take a few seminary courses without completing the entire application process may do so simply by completing the unclassified student application. This process allows students to take up to four seminary classes before they apply and are accepted to the program. Unclassified students cannot take part in the GTS scholarship program. The unclassified student process was designed for those students that desired to only take a few seminary courses, or for those that were late in applying to attend the seminary and plan to complete their application later.

Eventually the unclassified student application will be online. Check back for details as this posting will be updated to reflect that change.

The course catalog lists something called a “module class.” What is that type of class?

A module class is one in which students completed pre-course work assignments then come to our campus in Winona Lake to attend a week-long class. The classes meet Monday through Friday generally from 8 AM to 5 PM although the last day will likely finish a few hours earlier to allow students time for travel. After the week is concluded students will complete post-course assignments before the end of the residential semester period. These classes are an excellent way for distance ed students to meet their professors and other students. Eventually, all of these modular format classes will be replaced by the online format.

Grace Theological Seminary is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Grace Seminary is also a candidate member of the ATS and expects full membership at some future date. This status will apply retroactively to all current seminary students. For updates on accreditation watch that section on the GTS web page at http://gts.grace.edu/becomeastudent/accreditation/index.php. For a link to the ATS status report showing Grace navigate to http://www.ats.edu/member_schools/gracetsg.asp.

What is the Grace Brethren, is it a denomination, and is it similar to Baptist denominations?

The Fellowship of Grace Brethren is a voluntary association of churches sharing common doctrinal beliefs in a voluntary association of churches in the USA, Canada, and around the world. Grace is technically not a denomination in that it does not operate under a hierarchal structure and attracts students from a wide variety of backgrounds, both Calvinistic and Arminian. The worldwide Grace Brethren movement includes over 1300 churches, with a heavy concentration in central Africa. Although the doctrinal beliefs of the Grace Brethren is very similar to conservative Baptist denominations, Grace has several ordinances that make them unique because of their Brethren/Pietistic background. These include the three-fold communion consisting of foot washing, the love feast, and communion. All believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are welcome at the three-fold communion service and is therefore an open communion of the body of Christ.

When you examine Grace’s doctrinal statement you will discover the following elements:

What are the amenities on campus, and some lodging options. Are there any restaurants near the campus or coffee shops to grab something between and after classes?

Grace has a full-service dining hall on campus called Alpha Dining Commons that makes available breakfast, lunch and dinner for a nominal fee. This is open during the fall and spring semesters and has some limited operation during the summer. Grace also provides a coffee shop in the center of the main campus called the Tree of Life, and a second Tree of Life coffee shop on the edge of campus which also houses the campus bookstore. More information on these is available at http://www.treeoflifebookstores.com/grace/.

The seminary does not ordain students but this is done through local churches in conjunction with the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches (FGBC) or through your own church or denomination. Although the FGBC respects God’s Word and calling regarding the role of women in ministry outside of the position of pastor or elder, the fellowship does not ordain them. Contact Dr. Ken Bickel for details.

Grace offers two programs in addition to student loans. The Spark Endowment (GTS Scholarship) funds up to $65 per hour for Grace Brethren members and up to $50 per hour for non-Grace Brethren church members. The second program is the Partners in Education scholarship in which Grace matches your local church’s giving up to $500 for a total benefit of $1,000 per school year distributed 50% in the fall and the balance in the spring. Each of these programs require annual renewals.

For more information refer to the tuition and scholarships section on the web site.

No, you do not need to have an undergraduate degree in Bible, ministry, theology or other related field. Seminary is a first professional degree which means programs are designed to serve those who will be taking their first formal theological class as well as those who have already completed an undergraduate theological degree.